2013 Dodge Dart Interior Shots Teased

Last week, Dodge confirmed its re-entry to the North American compact car market with the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart. Beyond the name and that it would debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show little was known, but now we have a first look at the new small car's interior.While the exterior teaser shots released last week still leave a lot to the imagination, we now have a better idea of what to expect inside the Dart. Based on Alfa Romeo's Giulietta, Dodge says the Dart has interior room comparable to a mid-size sedan. The Dart is a foot longer and an inch wider than its Italian sibling, giving the impression it's bigger inside than it first lets on. Dodge is targeting consumers whose many concerns are price, fuel economy, quality, reliability and don't want to surrender any extra cabin space.A few of the normal Dodge interior touches will make their way over to the Dart such as a heated steering wheel and a 7-inch Thin Film Technology reconfigurable display in the center of the instrument cluster. The TFT display can be configured in either an analog or digital speedometer, and owners will have the option of limiting their Dart's top speed. An 8.4-inch media touchscreen, the same one found in the Charger and Chrysler 300, will also be present in the Dart, which Dodge says makes it the largest in the class.Three models—SE, SXT, and R/T—will be available for the Dart, and exterior color-coordinating accents can be added around the dashboard for the first two models. The R/T will only be available in red. Depending on the model selected, the Dart's insides can be dressed in vinyl or leather.Safety was also paramount when designing the Dart and Dodge has stuffed it with more than 50 features for protection. These features include 10 airbags, a blind spot indicator, a back-up cross-path indicator, ABS braking for all four wheels, hill start assist, and stability control.Some other details about the Dart's exterior have come into focus as well. The front grille will have shutters that can open and close to enhance airflow to the engine. Getting optimal airflow keeps the engine cooler and it runs smoother. Customers will have a choice between 18-inch hyper black or polished wheels. Aerodynamics also played a major role in the design of the Dart's ground-level snout, contoured hood and smooth roof, all shaped for the best possible fuel economy.Motivation for the Dart will stem from your choice of three engines and three transmissions. The 1.4-liter Tigershark engine is rated at 160 horsepower, 148 pound-feet of torque and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or two different six-speed automatic gearboxes. The 2.0-liter Multi-air turbo engine is responsible for 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque while mated to an Alfa Romeo inspired six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The R/T trim receives the 2.4-liter engine which serves up 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. With the exception of the R/T, engine swapping amongst the SE and SXT trims has been discussed though when pressed Dodge wouldn't comment either way.Do you think the Dart's interior can keep up with the likes of the Ford Focus or Hyundai Elantra? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.Source: Dodge

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